Road Test: 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD

Road Test: 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD

Midsize SUV with Sporty Styling

The aggressive and sporty design of the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD seems to have accomplished what Chevrolet had in mind when they gave it Corvette styling cues —it is a head-turner as you cruise around town.

Engine and Drive Choices

The midsize 2022 Chevrolet Blazer has two engines options, one transmission, and either front wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The base 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has 228 horsepower (hp) and 258 pound-feet (lb.-ft) of torque. The optional 3.6-liter V6, like the one Clean Fleet Report drove, puts out 308 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, with both engines mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The EPA has rated the Blazer AWD 3.6L fuel economy at 19 mpg city/26 highway/21 combined, with one mile more on the highway for the FWD model. Over 311 miles of city street and freeway driving, we averaged 23.7 mpg. However, on a 175-mile fuel mileage run, with the cruise control set at 65 mph and on flat, smooth roadways, we averaged 29.6 mpg. The key to nudging close to that magic 30 mpg number, is setting the adaptive cruise control and letting it be. Real world conditions do not lend themselves to this type of driving very often, so plan on your numbers being closer to those on the window sticker.

The best fuel economy comes from the Blazer FWD with the 2.0L turbocharged engine which is EPA rated at 22 mpg city/29 highway/25 combined. Those few more miles from each gallon of gasoline are important, and based on your driving needs, sacrificing some performance of the V6 engine could be worth it. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.

Driving Experience: On the Road

Clean Fleet Report’s AWD Blazer had quick, strong linear acceleration with low-end grunt, and a well-matched 9-speed automatic transmission. The transmission/engine combination makes for an engaging-to-drive SUV with plenty of power and torque. It delivered 0-to-60 times right around six seconds. An impressive time to move a 4,295-pound SUV.

The Blazer has a firm ride that at times was choppy on rough streets, even jittery at times. The MacPherson front struts and independent rear suspension did their best to keep the Blazer planted with 265/45 Continental CrossContact all-season tires mounted on 21-inch gloss black aluminum wheels. Taking corners faster than the posted limit would induce noticeable weight shift. The overall freeway ride was composed, but there was wind buffeting when opening only one window at speeds above 45 mph.

The electric power steering was precise with good feedback, especially when tackling mountain sweepers. In town, the Blazer RS was easy to maneuver and park. The RS badge brings more than just trim enhancements as the front struts and rear shocks have been sport-tuned, and the steering ratio is a bit quicker. The four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes worked well with stopping that was constant and predictable.

Exterior: Designed To Impress

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer is available in three trim levels–LT, RS and Premium. Since this body style dates to the Blazer’s all-new 2019 model year, we didn’t get as many “oh look at that” stares, but still did do a few walk-arounds when parked at the market. There are nine exterior colors, with ours painted in the striking, optional ($495) Cherry Red Tintcoat and the optional ($550) black two-toned roof, that helped get that extra attention.

The last generation Chevrolet Blazer was a somewhat larger rugged off-roader, while the 2022 Blazer is now a stylish two-row crossover SUV that doesn’t suffer from not having a third row. There are many three-row SUVs to choose from; the Blazer is right-sized for five passengers and ample cargo storage.

Chevrolet leaned heavily on the Camaro’s look as the Blazer has a brash and aggressive design, especially in the RS trim, giving it a sporty, almost muscle-car look. Chevrolet made a conscious decision to not go after the rugged off-road look, but to have the Blazer appeal to a broader segment of the crossover market.

The front-end styling includes a dominant grille, narrow high intensity headlights and a blacked-out “Bow Tie” emblem. The wide stance and high belt line (the line that runs horizontally below the windows, front to rear) give the Blazer a sculpted look.

The roof racks on the RS are black against the striking red paint. The hands-free power lift gate has a small spoiler over the rear glass, and is finished-off with LED taillights and dual chrome exhaust tips. Towing is rated up to 4,500 pounds with the trailering package; the hook-up is tucked below the lower fascia.

Interior: Camaro Sports Coupe Influenced

Leaning on the Camaro for design inspiration continues into the Jet Black interior. The Blazer in the RS trim line is sporty, the dash controls are centrally located, and even the large vent rings are uniquely appealing. The front and side visibility was good, but the rear was restricted, which is where the benefit of the rear view camera mirror comes in. The camera mirror shows the rear view without looking through the rear seat headrests, passengers, cargo or the wide roof pillars. It takes a bit of getting used to as the perspective is different than that from a standard rear view mirror. We found it useful when backing (it has its own washer, too), when used in conjunction with the back-up camera.

Front occupant convenience was obviously a key goal. The leather-trimmed seats were supposed to be ventilated, heated and cooled, but with the chip shortage in early 2022, there are switches for these features (rear seat heaters too), but they don’t work. Chevrolet includes a credit at purchase. When chips become available, there will be a retrofit process.

The driver gets 8-way power adjustments (with memory) and the passenger 6-way. The leather rear seat split 60/40, and includes a folding armrest with cup holders. Access to the rear seat is good, leading to enough space to accommodate two adults comfortably. The outbound rear seats are heated and the seat back reclines, which will help passengers 6-feet or taller with a bit more headroom. Cargo room is ample with 30.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up, 64.2 cubic feet with them laid flat.

The rear seat accommodates child seats, and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system was easy to use. If you have ever struggled to get a child safety seat in or out of a back seat, this is a big deal.

The 3 Plus infotainment sound system in our Blazer RS had the optional Bose premium 8-speaker system and an 8-inch high-definition color touch screen that housed the navigation, and the AM/FM/SiriusXM, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot. Controls for Bluetooth and the hands-free telephone are found on the heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. While we wish there was a control knob for both the volume and channel selection, there are very handy (and our favorite place for them) volume and channel selection controls located on the backside of the steering wheel. These small bumps, positioned with perfect fingertip access, are so easy to use this should be the layout on all cars. The standard Amazon Alexa capability is fun and helpful too.

Activating the handy and helpful OnStar system is as simple as pushing a button. This connects you with a friendly General Motors representative to make your driving experience safer and more enjoyable.

The Blazer RS is well-equipped with convenience features, including remote keyless entry with remote start, power door locks, power ports, power tilt and telescoping steering column, heated exterior mirrors, dual zone automatic climate control, a tire pressure monitor, keyless push button on-and-off, a panoramic tilt and slide moonroof and a full-size spare tire. Clean Fleet Report would have liked to see an auto hold button and a head-up display.

Safety, Pricing and Warranties

The Blazer comes with a robust list of standard safety features, including front and side airbags, a theft deterrent system, rear seat reminder, forward emergency braking and collision warning, stability control, rear cross traffic alert, rear park assist, vehicle stability management, traction control, lane change and side blind zone alert. A nice safety feature is the high definition surround vision, where the complete exterior of the Blazer can be viewed on the 8-inch color monitor. This demonstration is for the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, but it applies to the Blazer.

Clean Fleet Report’s 2022 Blazer RS AWD, had a base MSRP of $44,000. The options at $5,490 and the mandatory $1,195 destination charge, bought the total price to $50,685.

The Blazer earned a Good rating by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, and a 5 Star Overall rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These are the highest ratings by the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Blazer comes with these warranties:

• Basic – Three years/36,000 miles
• Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
• Roadside Assistance – Five years/60,000 miles
• Rust Through – Six years/100,000 miles
• Scheduled Maintenance – First Dealer Visit     

Observations: 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD

If the number of Blazers seen on the road is any indication, the public has taken to its sporty design. The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, especially in the RS trim, has the looks and some pretty-darn-close performance to be a sports SUV/crossover. The Blazer will have appeal to a broad group of buyers, whether it be families, empty nesters, or singles that are looking to be among the trendiest crossover owners.

The Blazer is the sportiest looking crossover in the extremely competitive midsize crossover segment, which may help set it apart. Chevrolet uses terms like “Sleek muscular design,” “Bold Athletic Stance,” “Dressed to impress” and ”Driver-centric interior” to describe the Blazer. Reinforce those descriptions with Camaro design cues, and Chevrolet hopes to make a case for you visiting your local dealer.

[Ed. note: While this Blazer cuts a good figure and offers some tempting options, Chevrolet has announced that in 2023 the 2024 Blazer EV will be introduced. That all-electric model based on GM’s Ultium platform will take the Blazer into truly new territory. No word on whether the gas-powered Blazer will survive, so if this one is appealing, grab it while you can.]

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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Chevrolet.

A look at some of the Blazer’s midsize crossover competitors:

Road Test: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Road Test: 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Road Test: 2019 Ford Edge

Road Test: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Road Test: 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

Road Test: 2021 Mazda CX-9

Road Test: 2017 Toyota 4Runner

Road Test: 2020 Subaru Outback

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.